‘Totally unwarranted’, says MLC on Karnataka government’s decision to remove marks for third language in SSLC

Expressing displeasure over the State government’s decision to reduce SSLC marks from 625 to 525 by removing marks for the third language, K. Vivekananda, MLC, said that the third language is not limited to Hindi alone, but includes Marathi, Telugu, Urdu, and Sanskrit.

He termed the move, especially during the ongoing SSLC examinations, as “totally unwarranted” and cautioned that it could adversely impact students’ learning abilities.

In a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Mr. Vivekananda pointed out that a large number of teachers are engaged in teaching third languages in both government and private schools. He emphasised that learning multiple languages helps students communicate better and gain stronger command over languages, which would be beneficial in their professional careers.

The MLC expressed concern that curtailing the importance of the third language could weaken students’ language learning abilities and affect the spirit of diversity among pupils.

Stating that ignoring third languages would have a broader impact on the education system, he urged the government to take a considered decision, keeping in mind the importance of language education.

Meanwhile, teachers of third language subjects, including Hindi, from Mysuru and Chamarajangar districts, met Mr. Vivekananda at his office in Mysuru on Monday (March 30) and raised concerns over the alleged neglect of third language instruction and the curbs on teaching posts. They urged him to take up the issue with the government and ensure measures to safeguard third language education.